ReLeaf Winnipeg Tree Planting Workshop
Before you Dig Welcome to ReLeaf! Before you dig: Call or click before you dig! Manitoba Hydro can locate buried electrical and natural gas lines on your property. www.clickbeforeyoudigmb.com www.mb1call.com Water and sewer much deeper underground but planting over top of them should also be avoided, if possible.
Before you Dig Avoiding Aboveground Ulitities Dakota Amur Maple Discover Elm Pinnacle Juliet Cherry Linden Birch Saskatoon Bur Oak
Before you Dig Space to grow Consider paved surfaces: Trees and shrubs 3m (10ft) away from driveways and other paved surfaces. Consider the expected mature size of the tree When planting trees next to each other or near structures Consider buildings: Spreading trees, like elm, oak, and linden should away from buildings to avoid damage to the structure and the tree!
Before you Dig Sunlight and Drainage Trees require partial to full sunlight (min.4 hours per day) Trees in shaded areas may grow slower than expected Sunlight also affects spring blossom and fruit production, as well as the vibrancy of fall colours All of these trees also require sites with adequate drainage. Wet, low-lying areas should be avoided.
Planting Digging the Planting Hole Dig the hole before removing the tree from the container so the roots don’t dry out. The width of the top of the hole should be 2-3x as wide as the tree's container. The walls of the hole should slope inward to the bottom of the hole, “Hole like a Bowl”
Planting Don’t dig too deep! Root flare should sit right at the soil level or a bit higher. For more detailed information, visit TreesAreGood.org
Planting Roots: The most important part of the tree! Avoid Circling Roots! Circling roots will eventually “strangle” the tree over time. After removing the container, gently pull circling roots away from the trunk without breaking them. Break up any smooth surface on the walls of the planting hole. Smooth surfaces can slow root growth into the surrounding soil and decrease the lifespan of the tree.
Planting Filling in the hole Use the same soil as what was dug out of the hole. Filling the hole with new material will affect drainage and root growth Add the soil in 15 cm (6“) layers, lightly tamping & thoroughly watering each layer. Fill hole to original grade of the ground and assure that the root flare is exposed.
Planting Adding Wood Mulch Mulch helps maintain soil moisture water, prevents weeds, moderates soil temperature, and releases nutrients into the soil. Add mulch in a layer of no more than 5cm (2-4"). Adding too much can promote infestation of rodents, weevils, and rot fungi. You can add mulch over time as it breaks down. MULCH VOLCANO!
Planting Don’t Forget to Water! After planting, deeply water the tree 2x per week to keep the roots in good health – adjusting with the weather as required. A low flow shower setting on your hose nozzle is ideal Water less frequently as temperatures drop. Stop watering when the average temperatures are below 7 ⁰C or when the ground is consistently frosty in the mornings.
After Planting Establishment and Transplant Shock You might see sparse leaves next spring. Continue to water deeply 2x per week. Reduce stress on the tree by maintaining soil aeration. Expanding the mulch circle can limit soil compaction by acting as a barrier for lawn mowers and visitors. Fertilizer can harm trees by killing the roots and should be avoided. Mulch is a natural fertilizer which releases nutrients slowly enough for tree roots to absorb safely.
After Planting Staking and Pruning Staking may not be necessary. Judge the tree’s stability by gently rocking the tree. Two or three stakes may be added before the hole is backfilled. It is important to remove stakes after 2 growing seasons to avoid making the tree dependent on them. Pruning should be limited to dead and broken branches after planting. Structural pruning may commence two years after planting. Join our email list for an invitation to our next pruning workshop!
After Planting Winter Protection Beware of hungry rabbits and rodents! Chicken wire and fencing might be necessary to protect young trees from wildlife. Rabbits can reach over fences when snow drifts are high – try digging a “moat” so they can’t reach over the fence.
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